JPH0454916A - rice cooker - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To make the title cooker more convenient, by a method wherein a cooking-starting means for rice, a timer means, and a control means for inputting a signal from a temperature-detecting means are provided, and the rice is cooked by a heating means. CONSTITUTION:A control means 7 controls a heating means 2 and begins to start rice-cooking when a signal from a cooking-starting means 4 for rice is inputted therein, and decides that the temperature of a food being cooked in a vessel 1 is beyond a definite temperature when a signal from a temperature- detecting means 6 is inputted therein. After that, the control means 7 controls a timer means 5, and begins to start a timer, and controls by a heating means 2 so that the rice is cooked until the time of the timer elapses by the time preset by a timer-presetting means 3 after a signal from the timer means 5 is inputted therein. In addition, a microcomputer 12 inputs a signal outputted from an A/D converter 6c for the temperature-detecting means 6, and decides whether the temperature of the food cooked in the vessel 1 is higher than the temperature of 90 deg.C or not.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a rice cooker equipped with a "porridge" menu.

Conventional technology In recent years, many rice cookers that use microcomputers have been developed, and with the diversification of users, there is a demand for rice cookers that can cook rice with a variety of rice menus, and the cooking time can be set as a rice cooking menu. There is a strong demand for something with a ``rice porridge'' course.

A conventional rice cooker will be explained using the block diagram shown in FIG. 10. 60 is a container for storing food such as rice, water, etc., 61 is a heating means for heating the food in the container 60, 62 is a timer setting means that can arbitrarily set the cooking time of rice, and 63 is a 64 is a timer means for measuring the cooking time of rice set by the timer setting means 62; 65 is a temperature detection means for detecting the temperature of the food in the container 60; 66 is a rice cooking start means. This control means inputs signals from means 63, timer means 64, and temperature detection means 65. After arbitrarily setting the cooking time of rice using the timer setting means 62, when the output signal of the rice cooking start means 63 is input, the control means 66 starts cooking rice and at the same time outputs a signal to the timer means 64, so that the timer setting means 64 starts cooking. 62 starts measuring the cooking time set, and temperature detecting means 65
inputs the output signal of , and controls the heating means 61 to keep the energization rate constant until the temperature of the food in the container 60 exceeds a certain temperature, and the temperature of the container 60 rises to a certain temperature. After exceeding the cooking time, the heating means 61 is controlled to reduce the energization rate for heating the food, a signal from the timer means 64 is input, and when the cooking time set by the timer setting means 62 has elapsed, the rice is cooked. had finished.

Next, the operation of the conventional example will be explained according to the flowchart of the conventional example shown in FIG.

In step 70, the timer setting means 62 can arbitrarily set the rice cooking time starting from 0 hours up to 10 hours. Next, the process proceeds to step 71. In step 71, the control means 66 receives the output signal from the rice cooking start means 63, and then proceeds to step 72. In step 72, the control means 66
outputs a signal to the timer means 64 and sets the timer setting means 6.
Start counting the cooking time set in step 2.

Here, the elapsed time is subtracted from the set cooking time. If the output signal from the rice cooking start means 63 is not input in step 71, the process returns to step 70. Next step 7
Proceed to step 3. In step 73, heating means 6 is heated for 1 minute and 36 seconds.
1, the food in the container 60 is not heated. Next, the process proceeds to step 74. In step 74, the control means 66 inputs the output signal of the timer means 64 and determines whether the remaining time obtained by subtracting the elapsed time from the cooking time set in step 70 is shorter than 4 minutes and 48 seconds. If the remaining time is longer than 4 minutes and 48 seconds, the process advances to step 75. In step 75, the container 60
The control means 66 inputs the output signal of the temperature detection means 65 and determines whether the temperature of the food being cooked is higher or lower than 90 degrees. If the temperature of the food in the container 60 is lower than 90 degrees, the process proceeds to step 76. In step 76, the control means 66 controls the heating means 61 to set the energization rate for heating the food in the container 60 to 12/16, and returns to step 74. In step 74, if the remaining time obtained by subtracting the elapsed time from the cooking time set in step 70 is shorter than 4 minutes and 48 seconds, the process proceeds to step 77. In step 77, the control means 66 controls the heating means 61 to not heat the food in the container 60 for 4 minutes and 48 seconds. After this, step 78
Proceed to the warming process. Next, in step 75, if the temperature of the food in the container 60 is higher than 90 degrees, the process proceeds to step 79. In step 79, the control means 66 controls the heating means 61 to increase the energization rate for heating the food in the container 60 by 2/
Make it 16. As a result, the temperature of the food in the container 60 is maintained at 90 degrees, and the process proceeds to step 80. In step 80, it is determined whether the remaining time obtained by subtracting the elapsed time from the cooking time set in step 70 is shorter than 4 minutes and 48 seconds. If the time is longer, the process proceeds to step 79, and the energization rate for heating the food in the container 60 is set to 2/16. At step 80, if the remaining time obtained by subtracting the elapsed time from the cooking time set at step 70 is shorter than 4 minutes and 48 seconds, the process proceeds to step 77. In the stem tube 77, the control means 66 has four
The heating means 61 is controlled so that the food in the container 60 is not heated for 48 seconds. After this, the process proceeds to step 78, a heat retention process.

Problems to be Solved by the Invention In such conventional rice cookers, when the power supply voltage to the heating means is low, the ambient temperature is low, and the cooking time is set short, the temperature of the food in the container may drop to 90 degrees. There was a problem in that the cooking time ended before the rice was cooked, making it impossible to cook rice.

In addition, in the case of the "porridge" menu, the cooking time is set to a fixed time each time depending on the user, but with the above configuration, the cooking time must be set from 0 hours every time the rice is cooked in the "porridge" menu. The problem was that it was very difficult to use.

Furthermore, with the above configuration, when setting the cooking time, the user cannot check the cooking time that he or she has set, and the user must manage the time from the start of rice cooking to the completion of rice cooking by himself/herself. There was a problem that it was very difficult to use.

The present invention solves the above-mentioned problems, and aims to make it possible to cook delicious "porridge" in a short time and to improve usability.

Means for Solving the Problems In order to achieve the above-mentioned objects, the present invention provides a first means for solving the problems, including a container for storing food such as rice and water, and a heating device for heating the food in the container. a timer setting means capable of arbitrarily setting a cooking time for a rice cooking process; a rice cooking start means for starting the rice cooking; and a timer setting means for timing the cooking time for the rice cooking process set by the timer setting means. a timer means, a temperature detection means for detecting the temperature of the food in the container, a control means for inputting signals from the rice cooking start means, the timer means and the temperature detection means; When a signal from the rice cooking start means is input, the heating means is controlled to start cooking rice, and a signal from the temperature detection means is input, and it is determined that the temperature of the food in the container exceeds a predetermined temperature. After that, the timer means is controlled to start time measurement, and the heating means is controlled to cook by heating until the measured time reaches the time set by the timer setting means by inputting the signal of the timer means. It is.

As a second problem-solving means, a storage means is provided for storing the cooking time of the rice cooking process set by the timer setting means, and the timer setting means first stores the cooking time of the rice cooking process stored in the storage means. In addition, the cooking time of the rice cooking process can be set as desired.

In addition, as a third problem-solving means, a plurality of storage means storing a plurality of cooking times of a cooking process of rice cooking and a plurality of cooking times of a plurality of cooking processes of rice cooking stored in the plurality of storage means are used to select an arbitrary value. A timer selection means for selecting and setting the cooking time of the rice cooking process is provided, and the timer setting means is capable of arbitrarily resetting the cooking time of the rice cooking process selected by the timer selection means. There is.

Furthermore, as a fourth problem-solving means, a display means is provided for displaying the time set by the timer setting means and further displaying the time being clocked by the timer means.

Effects The present invention has the above-described first means for solving the problem, in which the temperature of the food in the container reaches a predetermined temperature even when the power supply voltage applied to the heating means is low, the ambient temperature is low, and the cooking time is set short. After reaching the predetermined temperature, the cooking time of the set rice cooking process starts to be measured, so that the temperature of the food in the container can be maintained at the predetermined temperature without fail.

In the second problem-solving means, it is possible to first select the cooking time of the rice cooking process set and used in the rice cooking in the "porridge" menu mentioned above, and also to select the cooking time of the rice cooking process as desired. You can reset the settings to .

In addition, in the third problem solving means, it is possible to select and set the cooking time of a plurality of rice cooking steps normally used in the rice cooking menu, and furthermore, the cooking time of the selected rice cooking step can be arbitrarily set. You can reset the settings.

Furthermore, the fourth problem solving means is capable of displaying each time so that the user can check the cooking time of the rice cooking process set by the user, and the elapsed time of the cooking time of the rice cooking process. be.

Example Examples of the present invention will be described below.

FIG. 1, FIG. 2, and FIG. 3 show an embodiment of the first problem-solving means of the present invention.

In the figure, 1 is a container for storing food such as rice and water, 2 is a heating means for heating the food in the container 1, and 3 is a timer setting means that can arbitrarily set the cooking time of rice. , 4 is a rice cooking start means for starting rice cooking, 5 is a timer means for measuring the cooking time of rice set by the timer setting means 3, 6 is a temperature detection means for detecting the temperature of the food in the container 1, 7 is a control means that inputs signals from the rice cooking start means 4, the timer means 5, and the temperature detection means 6.

When the control means 7 inputs the signal from the rice cooking start means 4, it controls the heating means 2 to start cooking the rice, inputs the signal from the temperature detection means 6, and makes sure that the temperature of the food in the container 1 reaches a predetermined temperature. After determining that the time has exceeded the limit, the timer means 5 is controlled to start measuring time, and the heating means 2 is heated by inputting the signal of the timer means 5 until the measured time reaches the time set by the timer setting means 3. Control to cook.

The heating means 2 includes a heater 2a, a relay 2b, a transistor 2c, and a resistor 2d.
One side of the heater 2a is connected to one side of the AC power source 13.

The other side of the heater 2a is connected to one side of the contact of the relay 2b. The other side of the contact of relay 2b is connected to DC power supply 1
4, and is connected to one side of the AC power supply 13.

One side of the coil of relay 2b is connected to DC power supply 14,
The other side of the coil of the relay 2b is connected to the collector of the transistor 2C, the emitter of the transistor 2C is connected to the ground of the DC power supply 14, and the base of the transistor 2C is connected to one side of the resistor 2d and the output part of the micro combinator 12. There is. The other side of the resistor 2d is connected to the DC power supply 14. The timer setting means 3, which can arbitrarily set the cooking time of the rice cooking process, is composed of a switch 3a and a resistor 3b, and one side of the switch 3a is connected to a DC power source 1.
4, and the other side is connected to one side of the resistor 3b and the input section of the microcomputer 12. The other side of the resistor 3b is connected to ground.

When the switch 3a is pressed, a high level signal is input to the input section of the micro combinator 12. Depending on the number of times this high level signal is input, the microcomputer 12 sets the cooking time of the rice cooking process in the timer means 5 inside the microcomputer 12.

A rice cooking start means 4 outputs a signal for starting rice cooking, and is composed of a switch 4a and a resistor 4b. One side of the switch 4a is connected to the DC power supply 14, and the other side is connected to one side of the resistor 4b and the input section of the microcomputer 12. The other side of the resistor 4b is connected to ground. When the switch 4a is pressed, a high level signal is input to the input section of the microcomputer 12. When this /'% level signal is input, the micro combiator 12 starts the rice cooking operation.

The temperature detection means 6 includes a thermistor 6a and a resistor 6b.

It is composed of an A/D converter 6c, a resistor 6d, and a resistor 6e. One side of the thermistor 6a is connected to the DC power supply 14, the other side is connected to the resistor 6b, the other side of the resistor 6b is connected to the ground, and the thermistor 6a and the resistor 6b
As a result, a voltage corresponding to the temperature of the food in the container 1 is input to the A/D converter 6C. Furthermore, one side of the resistor 6d is
The other side of the resistor 6e is connected to the DC power supply 14, the other side of the resistor 6e is connected to the ground, and the other side of the resistor 6e is connected to the ground.
d.

A reference voltage for A/D conversion is input to the A/D converter 6C through the resistor 6e. Further, the output of the A/D converter 6C is input to the microcomputer 12, and temperature data of the food in the container 1 is input.

In the above configuration, the operation will be explained. In step 20, the timer setting means 3 sets the cooking time of the rice cooking process. That is, when the switch 3a is pressed, a high level signal is input to the input section of the microcomputer 12. If input is 1 time, cooking time is 3
0 minutes, 30 minutes will be added for each input from the next input. The maximum cooking time is 5 hours, and after that time, return to the first 30 minutes and repeat the above steps. Microcomputer 12
sets the cooking time of the rice cooking process in the timer means 5 inside the microcomputer 12 in accordance with the signal inputted from the timer setting means 3.

Next, proceed to step 21. In step 21, the microcomputer 12 receives the output signal from the rice cooking start means 4, and then proceeds to step 22. That is, when the switch 4a is pressed, a high level signal is input to the input section of the microcomputer 12. When this high level signal is input, the microcomputer 12 proceeds to step 22 to start the rice cooking operation. If the output signal from the rice cooking start means 4 is not input in step 21, the process returns to step 20. In step 22, the microcomputer 12 sets the output connected to the base of the transistor 2C to a low level for 1 minute and 36 seconds, and
c is turned off, and no current flows through the coil of relay 2b.

As a result, the contacts of the relay 2b are turned off, and the heater 2a of the heating means 2 is not energized. Next, proceed to step 23. In step 23, the microcomputer 12
For 12 seconds out of 6 seconds, the output section connected to the base of transistor 2C is set to high impedance, current is passed to the base of transistor 2c via resistor 2d, transistor 2C is turned on, and current is passed to the coil of relay 2b. ,
The contacts of relay 2b are turned on, the output connected to the base of transistor 2c is set to low level for 4 seconds out of 16 seconds, transistor 2c is turned off, the current in the coil of relay 2b is cut off, and the contacts of relay 2b are turned on. is turned off, and the heater 2a of the heating means 2 is energized at an energization rate of 12/16. Next, proceed to step 24.

In step 24, the microcomputer 12 inputs the output signal of the A/D converter 6C of the temperature detection means 6, and determines whether the temperature of the food in the container 1 is higher or lower than 90 degrees. When the temperature of the food in the container 1 is lower than 90 degrees, the process returns to step 23. The temperature of the food in container 1 is 9.
If it is higher than 0 degrees, proceed to step 25. Step 2
In Step 5, the microcomputer 12 outputs a signal to the timer means 5, and in Step 20, the timer setting means 3 starts measuring the cooking time of the rice cooking process set by the timer setting means 3. Here, the elapsed time is subtracted from the cooking time of the set rice cooking process.

Next, proceed to step 26. In step 26, the microcomputer 12 controls the A/D converter 6 of the temperature detection means 6.
The output signal of C is input, and it is determined whether the temperature of the food in the container 1 is high or low. When the temperature of the food in the container 1 is lower than 90 degrees, the process proceeds to step 27. Step 27
Then, the microcomputer 12 sets the output part connected to the base of the transistor 2C to 7% impedance for 12 seconds out of 16 seconds, and connects the transistor 2C to the transistor 2C through the resistor 2d.
A current is applied to the base of C to turn on transistor 2C, a current is applied to the coil of relay 2b, the contact of relay 2b is turned on, and the output section connected to the base of transistor 2C is turned on for 4 seconds out of 16 seconds. The low level is set, the transistor 2C is turned off, the current in the coil of the relay 2b is cut off, the contact of the relay 2b is turned off, and the heater 2a of the heating means 2 is energized at a energization ratio of 12/16.

If the temperature of the food in the container 1 is higher than 90 degrees in step 26, the process proceeds to step 28. In step 28, the microcomputer 12 sets the output section connected to the base of the transistor 2C to high impedance for 2 seconds out of 16 seconds, causes current to flow through the base of the transistor 2C via the resistor 2d, and turns on the transistor 2C. relay 2b
A current is applied to the coil, the contact of relay 2b is turned on, and the output section connected to the base of transistor 2C is set to low level for 14 seconds out of 16 seconds, turning off transistor 2c and cutting off the current in the coil of relay 2b. Then, the contact of the relay 2b is turned off, and the heater 2a of the heating means 2 is energized at an energization rate of 2/16.

Then step 27 and step 28 to step 29
Proceed to. In step 29, the microcomputer 12 determines whether the remaining time, which is obtained by subtracting the elapsed time starting from step 25 by the timer means 5 from the cooking time of the rice cooking process set in step 20, is longer or shorter than 4 minutes and 48 seconds. to decide. If the remaining time subtracted in step 29 is longer than 4 minutes and 48 seconds, the process returns to step 26. If the remaining time subtracted in step 29 is shorter than 4 minutes and 48 seconds, the process proceeds to step 30. In step 30, the microcomputer 12 controls the transistor 2C of the heating means 2 for 4 minutes and 48 seconds.
The output section connected to the base of is set to a low level, turning off transistor 2C, and no current flows through the coil of relay 2b. As a result, the contact of the relay 2b is turned off, and the power supply to the heater 2a of the heating means 2 is stopped, and the process then proceeds to step 31, a heat retention process.

As described above, even if the power supply voltage to the heating means is low, the ambient temperature is low, and the cooking time is set short, the set cooking time will be reached after the temperature of the food in the container reaches the predetermined temperature. Since the cooking time of the cooking process is started, the temperature of the food in the container can be maintained at a predetermined temperature and the rice can be cooked, so that delicious "porridge" can be cooked.

FIGS. 4 and 5 show an embodiment of the second problem-solving means of the present invention. In each figure, parts given the same numbers as in FIG. 1 are the same parts, and their explanations will be omitted.

In the figure, 8 is a storage means for storing the cooking time of the rice cooking process set by the timer setting means 3, the signal of the timer setting means 3 is input, and the output of the storage means 8 is input to the timer means 5. ing. The timer setting means 3 can initially set the cooking time of the rice cooking process stored in the storage means 8 in the timer means 5. Furthermore, since the output of the timer setting means 3 is also input to the timer means 5, the cooking time of the set rice cooking process can be arbitrarily reset.

The operation is performed in the above configuration, and in the circuit configuration shown in FIG.
This will be explained according to the flowchart shown in FIG.

If it is the first time to cook rice from the "porridge" menu in step 32, the process proceeds to step 33, and if it is not the first time to cook rice from the "porridge" menu, the process proceeds to step 34.

In step 33, since it is the first time to cook rice in the "porridge" menu, when the cooking time of the rice cooking process is set by the timer setting means 3, that is, by pressing the switch 3a, a high level signal is sent to the input section of the microcomputer 12. When the time is inputted, the microcomputer 12 sets the timer means 5 inside the microcomputer 12 to 30 minutes, which is the initial cooking time of the rice cooking process.

In step 34, since it is not the first time to cook rice in the "porridge" menu, if the cooking time of the rice cooking process is set by the timer setting means, that is, by pressing the switch 3a, a high level signal is sent to the input section of the microcomputer 12. The input times are stored in the storage means 8 inside the microcomputer 12. The cooking time of the rice cooking process is set in the timer means 5 inside the microcomputer 12.

The process proceeds from step 33 and step 34 to step 35.

In step 35, if the cooking time of the rice cooking process set in the timer means 5 inside the microcomputer 12 in steps 33 and 34 is to be reset, the timer setting means 3 is used to reset the cooking time of the rice cooking process. Set the time again. That is, by pressing the switch 3a, a high level signal is input to the input section of the microcomputer 120, and each time there is an input, the microcomputer 12 is inputted in step 33 and step 34.
The cooking time of the rice cooking process set in the internal timer means 5 is added every 30 minutes, and the timer means 5 is reset. Next, proceed to step 36.

At step 36, the microcomputer 12 receives the output signal from the rice cooking start means 4, and then proceeds to step 37. That is, when the switch 4a is pressed, a high level signal is input to the input section of the micro combi coater 12. When this signal of level 1 is input, the microcomputer 12 proceeds to step 37 to start the rice cooking operation.

In step 37, when the microcomputer 12 receives the output signal from the rice cooking start means 4, the timer means 5
The cooking time of the rice cooking process set in 1 is stored in the storage means 8 inside the microcomputer 12.

The next step is step 22 in the flowchart of FIG. 3, which illustrates the operation of the first embodiment of the present invention. A description of the operations from step 22 onwards will be omitted.

As described above, according to the second embodiment of the present invention, the cooking time of the rice cooking process that was set and used in the previous rice cooking of the "porridge" menu can be selected first, and
Since you can arbitrarily reset the cooking time for this rice cooking process, you can eliminate the trouble of setting the cooking time for the rice cooking process, and even if you arbitrarily reset the cooking time for the rice cooking process, it will be short. Since it can be done in a short amount of time, it is very easy to use.

FIGS. 6 and 7 show an embodiment of the third problem-solving means of the present invention. In each figure, parts given the same numbers as those in FIG. 1 described above are the same parts, and their explanations will be omitted.

In the figure, reference numeral 9 denotes a plurality of storage means that stores a plurality of cooking times of the rice cooking process. Reference numeral 10 denotes a timer selection means for selecting and setting the cooking time of an arbitrary rice cooking process from among the cooking times of a plurality of rice cooking processes stored in the plurality of storage means.

The plurality of storage means 9 inputs the signal from the timer selection means 10, and the output of the plurality of storage means 9 is inputted to the timer means 5. The timer selection means 10 can select and set an arbitrary time from among the cooking times of the plurality of rice cooking steps stored in the plurality of storage means 9, and the timer setting means 3 can select and set the cooking time selected by the timer selection means 10. You can arbitrarily reset the cooking time for the cooking process.

The operation is performed in the above configuration, and in the circuit configuration shown in FIG.
This will be explained according to the flowchart shown in FIG. Step 38
When the cooking time of the rice cooking process is set using the timer selection means 10, that is, when the switch 10a is pressed,
When a high level signal is input to the input section of the microcomputer 120, the microcomputer 12 selects the shortest cooking time from the cooking times of the plurality of rice cooking processes stored in the plurality of storage means 9 inside the microcombi coater 12. The microcomputer 1 controls the cooking time of the rice cooking process.
2 in the internal timer means 5. Each time the switch 10a is pressed and a high-level signal is input to the input section of the microcomputer 12, the cooking times of the plurality of rice cooking steps stored in the plurality of storage means 9 are changed in order of shortest cooking time. The cooking time of the rice cooking process is selected and set in the timer means 5.

For example, if seven types of cooking times for the cooking process of rice are stored in the plural storage means 9: 1 hour, 1 hour 30 minutes, 2 hours, 2 hours 30 minutes, 3 hours, 3 hours 30 minutes, and 4 hours. Then, when the switch 10a is pressed and a no-i level signal is input to the input section of the microcomputer 12 once, the time is 1 hour, the second time is 1 hour and 30 minutes, the third time is 2 hours, the seventh time is 4 hours, and the eighth time is The cooking time of the rice cooking process, such as one hour, is selected and set in the timer means 5. The reason why the cooking time of the rice cooking process is set from 1 hour to 4 hours is because this is the time normally used in the "porridge" menu. Next, proceed to step 39. In step 39, if the user wishes to change the cooking time of the rice cooking process set in step 38, the process proceeds to step 40.

If the user does not wish to change, the process proceeds to step 41.

In step 40, since the user wants to change the cooking time of the rice cooking process, the timer setting means 3 sets the cooking time of the rice cooking process again.

That is, by pressing the switch 3a, a high level signal is input to the input section of the microcomputer 12,
Each time there is an input, in step 38, the cooking time of the rice cooking process set in the timer means 5 inside the microcomputer 12 is added every 10 minutes, and the timer means 5 is reset. Next, proceed to step 41. Step 4
1, when the microcomputer 12 receives an output signal from the rice cooking start means 4, that is, when the switch 4a is pressed, a high level signal is input to the input section of the microcomputer 12. When this noise level signal is input, the microcomputer 12 starts the rice cooking operation, and therefore proceeds to step 22 in the flowchart of FIG. 3 showing the operation of the first embodiment of the present invention. A description of the operations from step 22 onwards will be omitted. If the microcomputer 12 does not receive the output signal from the rice cooking start means 4 at step 41, it is possible to return to step 38.

As described above, according to the third embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to select and set the cooking time of a plurality of rice cooking steps normally used for cooking rice in the "porridge" menu, and furthermore, the cooking time of the selected rice cooking process can be set. Since you can arbitrarily reset the cooking time for each process, you can prevent mistakes in setting the cooking time for the rice cooking process, and even if you arbitrarily reset the cooking time for the rice cooking process, it can be done in a short time. This makes it much easier to use.

FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 show an embodiment related to the fourth means for solving the problem of the present invention. In each figure, parts given the same numbers as those in FIG. 1 described above are the same parts, and their explanations will be omitted.

In the figure, 11 is a display means, and a timer setting means 3
The time set by the timer means 5 can be displayed, and the time counted by the timer means 5 can also be displayed.

The operation of an embodiment of the fourth problem-solving means of the present invention will be described using the circuit configuration of FIG. 2 and the flowchart of FIG. 9. In the flowchart of FIG. 3, steps that perform the same operations are given the same step numbers and their explanations are omitted.

In step 39, the timer setting means 3 sets the cooking time of the rice cooking process. That is, when the switch 3a is pressed, a high level signal is input to the input section of the microcomputer 12. If there is only one input, the cooking time will be 30 minutes, and from the next input, 30 minutes will be added for each input.

Maximum cooking time is 10 hours, beyond that the first 30 hours
Go back to the minute and repeat the above steps.

Further, the microcomputer 12 displays the cooking time of the rice cooking process set each time the switch 3a is pressed on the LCD which is the display screen 11.

Next, the process proceeds to step 21, but since steps 21 to 25 have been explained in the flowchart of FIG. 3, their explanation will be omitted. Step 25 to Step 40
Proceed to.

In step 40, the measurement of the cooking time is started in step 25, and the microcomputer 12 displays the remaining cooking time on the LCD, which is the display means 11. The process proceeds from step 40 to step 26. Step 2
Steps 6 to 29 are explained in the flowchart of FIG. 3, so their explanation will be omitted.

If the remaining cooking time is longer than 4 minutes and 48 seconds in step 29, the process returns to step 40 and the remaining cooking time is 4 minutes and 48 seconds.
If it is shorter than minutes and 48 seconds, proceed to the next step 41.

In step 41, the microcomputer 12 displays the remaining cooking time on the LCD, which is the display means 11, and the process proceeds to step 42. In step 42, the microcomputer 12 sets the output section connected to the base of the transistor 2C of the heating means 2 to a low level, turns off the transistor 2c, and does not allow current to flow through the coil of the relay 2b. As a result, the contact of the relay 2b is turned off, and the power supply to the heater 2a of the heating means 2 is stopped. After this, the process proceeds to step 43.

In step 43, the microcomputer 12 checks the timer means 5 to see if the remaining cooking time is 0.
Input the signal and make a judgment. If the remaining cooking time is not 0, the process returns to step 41. When the remaining cooking time reaches 0, the process proceeds to step 31, the warming process.

As described above, according to the embodiment of the present invention, each time can be displayed so that the user can check the cooking time of the rice cooking process set by the user and the elapsed time of the cooking process of the rice cooking process. Therefore, there is no need for the user to manage their own time, which greatly improves usability.

Effects of the Invention As is clear from the above embodiments, according to the first invention, even when the power supply voltage to the heating means is low, the ambient temperature is low, and the cooking time is set short, cooking in the container can be continued. The rice is cooked while maintaining the temperature of the object at a predetermined temperature during the set cooking time, resulting in the effect of cooking delicious "porridge".

Furthermore, according to the second aspect of the present invention, it is possible to first select the cooking time of the cooking process of the rice that was set and used in the rice cooking of the previous "porridge" menu, and the cooking time of the cooking process of this rice cooking can be selected first. You can also set the time as you like, eliminating the hassle of setting the cooking time for the rice cooking process.
Moreover, even if the cooking time of the rice cooking process can be arbitrarily reset, it can be done in a short time, making it extremely user-friendly.

Furthermore, according to the third aspect of the present invention, it is possible to select and set the cooking time of a plurality of rice cooking steps normally used for cooking rice in the "porridge" menu, and furthermore, the cooking time of the selected rice cooking step can be set. Since you can arbitrarily reset the cooking time of the rice cooking process, you can prevent mistakes in setting the cooking time of the rice cooking process.Furthermore, even if you arbitrarily reset the cooking time of the rice cooking process, it can be done in a short time, making it easy to use. It has the effect of making it much better.

Furthermore, according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, each time can be displayed so that the cooking time of the rice cooking process set by the user can be confirmed, and the elapsed time of the cooking time of the rice cooking process can be confirmed. This has the effect that the user no longer has to manage his or her own time, making it much easier to use.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a rice cooker according to an embodiment of the first problem solving means of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram of a rice cooker of an embodiment according to the first problem solving means of the present invention, FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of a rice cooker according to an embodiment of the first problem-solving means of the present invention, and FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the rice cooker of an embodiment according to the second problem-solving means of the present invention. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of a rice cooker according to an embodiment of the second problem-solving means of the present invention, and FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of a rice cooker of an embodiment according to the third problem-solving means of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing the operation of a rice cooker according to an embodiment of the third problem-solving means of the present invention, and FIG. 8 is a flow chart of an embodiment of the rice cooker according to the fourth problem-solving means of the present invention. A block diagram of the rice cooker, FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation of the rice cooker of an embodiment related to the fourth problem solving means of the present invention,
FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a conventional rice cooker, and FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the operation of the conventional rice cooker. 1... Container, 2... Heating means, Death...
・-Timer setting means, 4... Rice cooking start means, 5
...Timer means, 6...Temperature detection means, 7...Control means, Death...Storage means, 9
. . . multiple storage means, 1o . . . timer selection means, 11 . . . display means. Name of agent Patent attorney Shigetaka Awano and 1 other person Figure 10

Claims (4)

[Claims] (1) A container for storing food, a heating means for heating the food in the container, a timer setting means for arbitrarily setting the cooking time of the rice cooking process, and a rice cooker for starting the rice cooking. a starting means, a timer means for measuring the cooking time of the rice cooking process set by the timer setting means, a temperature detecting means for detecting the temperature of the food in the container, the rice cooking starting means and the timer means. and a control means for inputting a signal from the temperature detection means, and when the control means receives the signal from the rice cooking start means, it controls the heating means to start cooking the rice, and receives the signal from the temperature detection means. After determining that the temperature of the food in the container has exceeded a predetermined temperature, the timer means is controlled to start measuring time, and a signal from the timer means is input to determine that the timer has a measured time. A rice cooker configured to control the heating means to heat and cook until a time set by a setting means is reached. (2) A storage means is provided for storing the cooking time of the rice cooking process set by the timer setting means, and the timer setting means initially sets the cooking time of the rice cooking process stored in the storage means. 2. The rice cooker according to claim 1, wherein the rice cooker is capable of adjusting the cooking time of the rice cooking process as desired. (3) The cooking time of any rice cooking process is determined from the plurality of storage means storing a plurality of cooking times of the rice cooking process and the cooking times of the plurality of rice cooking processes stored in the plurality of storage means. A timer selection means is provided to select and set the
2. The rice cooker according to claim 1, wherein the timer setting means is capable of arbitrarily resetting the cooking time of the rice cooking process selected by the timer selection means. (4) Display the time set by the timer setting means,
2. The rice cooker according to claim 1, further comprising display means for displaying the time measured by the timer means.